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Dilantin 30 Mg capsules

Sat, 01/15/2011 - 00:45
Topic: Medication Issues
Has anyone else changed from the older Dilantin Kapseals ( white with band in middle)  to the newer Dilantin capsules, either the 100 mg or 30 mg capsule?  Did you have any side effects or increase in seizures after the change? Did you take precautions like avoiding driving after the switch, frequent blood monitoring?  If so, for how long? I have taken Dilantin for 20 years.  It was prescribed after I had a  focal seizure. I also had a grand mal seizure as a child and untreated seizures as an infant. When the 100 mg Kapseals were no longer available I switched to the 30 mg Kapseals and have been taking seven each night.  Now those are no longer available and I must switch to the newer 30 mg capsule ( half pink, half white) soon. I am very scared because I read that it might be absorbed differently causing seizures. I have not had a seizure since starting Dilantin and I drive everyday.  I would love to hear from others what their experience has been, both good and bad.  Thank you.

Comments

Re: Dilantin 30 Mg capsules

Submitted by Joanne J on Wed, 2011-01-19 - 01:45
Hi T,                                                                                                                                                                                  Thanks for your concern. I have been so focused on the possibility of side effects or seizures when I switch to  the new Dilantin that I have ignored other health issues such as osteoporosis!  I will research options for treatment.                                                                                                                                                                   It is certainly possible that I am processing Dilantin more slowly than I did when I was younger. I am going to ask my doctor for more frequent testing of Dilantin blood levals especially when I switch to the newer Dilantin.  I am also on a waiting list to see my neurologist.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  I compared the inactive ingredients of the old and new Dilantin and, as you said, there are no new inactive ingredients in the newer Dilantin. There are fewer inactive ingredients and different dyes.                                                                                                                                                                                                        Do you remember if you felt any different when you started the newer Dilantin? Did you take any precautions or have blood leval monitoring done?                                                                                                      Joanne                                           

Re: Dilantin 30 Mg capsules

Submitted by tcameron on Wed, 2011-01-19 - 14:32

You don't need to see a neurologist for anti osteoporosis meds.    Your G.P. or OB/Gyn. can prescribe them.  You also need to take 600 mg calcium 3/day.  Eat yogurt, and other sources of calcium every day as well.  Dilantin and other AEDs use up 1800 mg. Calcium/day.  The newer Dilantin isn't new.  Only the color of the capsule is different.  Even the dye and/or only new inactive ingredient{s}) don't make a difference.  I experienced no difference with it.  Believe me, my brain notices the slightest changes in everything; not just AEDs.  As far as blood level monitoring, I see an epileptologist (neurologist that specializes in epilepsy.)  He monitors my blood levels twice a year.  They've always been the same.  

It seems that an epileptologist could help more than a regular neurologist.   There are Epilepsy Ctrs. and/or epileptologists in your area.  Contact Bill Stack, Associate Director of EFNC.  1-800-632-3532 x11.  I already left a message on his voicemail (please call!) to expect a call from you regarding this issue.  (I go by T.)  He can send you more information about this topic.  If you were already an EFA member, you'd have been receiving yearly updates.  The come in a manilla sized envelope, with several other informative pamphlets.  Ex:  Women with Epilepsy, Epilepsy and Older Adults, generic AEDs, Interactions with other drugs, etc.  Another thing Bill can help you with:  The EFNC has monthly epilepsy support groups throughout North CA.  He can locate yours. 

You don't need to see a neurologist for anti osteoporosis meds.    Your G.P. or OB/Gyn. can prescribe them.  You also need to take 600 mg calcium 3/day.  Eat yogurt, and other sources of calcium every day as well.  Dilantin and other AEDs use up 1800 mg. Calcium/day.  The newer Dilantin isn't new.  Only the color of the capsule is different.  Even the dye and/or only new inactive ingredient{s}) don't make a difference.  I experienced no difference with it.  Believe me, my brain notices the slightest changes in everything; not just AEDs.  As far as blood level monitoring, I see an epileptologist (neurologist that specializes in epilepsy.)  He monitors my blood levels twice a year.  They've always been the same.  

It seems that an epileptologist could help more than a regular neurologist.   There are Epilepsy Ctrs. and/or epileptologists in your area.  Contact Bill Stack, Associate Director of EFNC.  1-800-632-3532 x11.  I already left a message on his voicemail (please call!) to expect a call from you regarding this issue.  (I go by T.)  He can send you more information about this topic.  If you were already an EFA member, you'd have been receiving yearly updates.  The come in a manilla sized envelope, with several other informative pamphlets.  Ex:  Women with Epilepsy, Epilepsy and Older Adults, generic AEDs, Interactions with other drugs, etc.  Another thing Bill can help you with:  The EFNC has monthly epilepsy support groups throughout North CA.  He can locate yours. 

Re: Dilantin 30 Mg capsules

Submitted by Joanne J on Fri, 2011-01-21 - 14:04

Hi T,                                                                                                                                                                    Thanks for the information, your advocacy and the referral! I am glad to hear that you did not experience any  changes when you switched to the newer Dilantin. I feel encouraged that  it will be the same for me. Paying more attention to the osteoporosis is something that I need to do, starting with checking how much calcium I am getting.  I have been considering going to a epiletologist although it is about an hours drive from here. When I call Bill Stack @ EFNC I will ask him about it and also about the location of the monthly epilepsy support groups in my area. I have not spoken to him before but I did talk to his assistant, John, who was very helpful. Becoming a member of EFA is a good idea-I need all the support and info available. Thanks again.  

Joanne

 

                                                                           

Hi T,                                                                                                                                                                    Thanks for the information, your advocacy and the referral! I am glad to hear that you did not experience any  changes when you switched to the newer Dilantin. I feel encouraged that  it will be the same for me. Paying more attention to the osteoporosis is something that I need to do, starting with checking how much calcium I am getting.  I have been considering going to a epiletologist although it is about an hours drive from here. When I call Bill Stack @ EFNC I will ask him about it and also about the location of the monthly epilepsy support groups in my area. I have not spoken to him before but I did talk to his assistant, John, who was very helpful. Becoming a member of EFA is a good idea-I need all the support and info available. Thanks again.  

Joanne

 

                                                                           

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